The International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA) was registered last week by a coalition of industry groups (fans of unwieldy acronyms can see below*) which said the new organisation will represent manufacturers interests globally.
“The task of the ICTA will be to coordinate international activities that take place on a global level. Regulations that concern the handling, transport, management and security of chemicals are being discussed globally more and more – often on a United Nations (UN) level.
“The ICTA will speak for the chemical distribution industry worldwide” the industry group said, adding that it “will also promote UN initiatives like Global Compact and encourage its members to participate.
ICTA replaces the International COuncil of Chemical Associations (ICCTA).
A spokesperson for the organisation told us: "ICCTA was a virtual association composed of national and regional association. Now the membership of the new ICTA includes company members as well."
"With regard to APIs it is not yet an issue covered by ICTA yet, however, Fecc covers APIs and related issues in its Good Trade and Distribution Practice Committee and organised a seminar 27 January to update our members on issue related to pharmaceuticals."
The Brussels, Belgium-based organisation has invited other European distribution groups to join. It was also asked China’s CCCMC, Brazil’s Associquim, both the Mexican and Canadian associations of chemical distributors to become members.
*ICTA was founded by the European Association of Chemical Distributors (Fecc), the US National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), the UK’s Chemical Business Association (CBA) and Germany’s Verband Chemiehandel (VCH).